Africa Needs Tailored Tech, Not Western Models | Tech News
For technology to truly empower sub-Saharan Africa, it must be tailored to the continent’s unique cultural and geographic realities rather than simply mimicking Western models. This is the argument of Íris de Brito, a researcher at the Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences (ISCSP) of the University of Lisbon, who warns that digital inclusion requires more than just handing out devices.
Speaking to Lusa, de Brito emphasized that technological tools must serve a specific purpose: improving the daily lives of populations. “Accessibility is often misunderstood as just the provision of equipment or software,” she noted. “But true accessibility is about how those technologies are made available and how individuals relate to them.”
Infrastructure vs. Innovation
In many parts of sub-Saharan Africa—particularly remote rural areas—the lack of basic electricity remains the primary barrier to digital progress. However, de Brito points to local innovations like Mozambique’s “Community Tablet” project as a blueprint for success. Launched a decade ago, the initiative brings mobile digital hubs to remote regions, overcoming infrastructure gaps by meeting people where they are.
The researcher highlighted that digital transformation can be a literal lifesaver. “In areas where seeing a specialist is nearly impossible, virtual consultations or access to microcredit through digital platforms allow citizens to improve their living conditions immediately,” de Brito explained.
Closing the Inclusion Gap
The digital divide in Africa is stark, and current rankings reflect deep economic and political disparities. According to the E-Government Development Index (EGDI), Ghana, Kenya, and Cape Verde are leading the charge in digital integration. Conversely, countries like Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and Equatorial Guinea remain at the bottom of the index due to ongoing social and political instability.
De Brito warned that without state intervention, the gap will only widen. She identified elderly citizens, women, and those in isolated geographic locations as the most vulnerable to total exclusion from both digital tools and basic services.
The Double-Edged Sword of AI and Social Media
While Artificial Intelligence holds promise for African development, de Brito cautioned that it must be paired with digital literacy to prevent “new forms of dependency.” Innovation, she argues, must promote “sustainable human autonomy” rather than just tool manipulation.
The power of digital inclusion is already being felt in the political sphere. De Brito cited the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria (2020) and the 2024 post-election protests in Mozambique as examples of how social media allows citizens to challenge institutions and report abuses. However, this empowerment comes with a catch: the same tools accelerate the spread of disinformation in areas where reliable news sources are scarce.
Education as the Foundation
Ultimately, de Brito argues that African nations must lead their own technological evolution. She advocates for educational programs that respect local cultures and traditions to ensure that digital skills lead to lasting behavioral change.
“Development comes through education,” de Brito concluded. “It is the fundamental pillar for building societies where decisions are made prudently and where citizens feel they can truly exercise their freedom of expression.”
Image: Pexels – alameen .ng
